CONWAY, Ark. (KTHV)- The University of Central Arkansas (UCA) has been through a year of trial and error with their new Donaghey building. Now, they’re hoping a new business plan will fill the empty spaces of the four businesses there that were forced to shut down.
UCA's Donaghey building was built for the campus and the community.
“We were very excited about this project when it first opened and we had a lot of great tenants that came this way,” public spokesperson for UCA Christina Munoz said.
When it first opened, business was booming, but now that's a different story.
“I think the first time around we hoped the community would come around here a little bit more but we also understand it's a college campus, it can be very daunting. Parking is typically a concern even though there is a lot of parking here,” she said.
Out of the five businesses that started in this building, four of them did have to leave. A couple of the businesses that left told THV11 the area didn't attract the type of business they thought it would.
The four businesses that left include:
- Blue Sail coffee
- Mosaique Bistro & Grill
- Uncle T's Deli-Market
- and Trek Bicycle.
The business that stayed is Marble Slab & Great American Cookie.
The owner, Chad Rockett, said operating a small business is a risk they all took. He felt things could have been done differently on both sides. He said he will stay put and that he's thankful for the opportunity.
“We learned some lessons through this and I know that with Airmark, our food service provider, there were limitations that we could and couldn't do at the time,” he said.
UCA has decided to gear the building more towards the campus community; students will now be able to use their meal cards at the new restaurants.
“The top three floors are dorms have done really well and now we're excited to announce we'll be having a welcome center in this building and a Twisted Taco, as well as an Einstein's Brothers Coffee. We're very excited as what's to come and we think the campus community is as well,” Munoz said.
The new businesses can be expected to move into the building within the year.